Monday, April 05, 2010

Wow. For those who like to overreact (i.e., like, a lot of us), an entire off-season of optimism just got wiped out in five innings. Vicente Padilla, proud owner of a 14.54 ERA, give up two home runs to Garrett Jones and was charged with seven earned runs over only 4 1/3 innings, while Ramon Ortiz (13.50 ERA) helped pour gas on the fire by allowing a bases-loaded double to Ryan Church in the fifth.

The hits didn't stop there: George Sherrill (40.50 ERA) gave up a three-run homer to Ryan Doumit in the eighth, and the Dodgers committed two errors and wasted opportunities at the plate, stranding ten men on base.

On the plus side, Manny Ramirez and Matt Kemp each went 2-for-5, and Casey Blake and Blake DeWitt each went 2-for-4. Russell Martin, despite getting caught in a rundown in the fifth, scored two runs. Carlos Monasterios and Russ Ortiz each threw a smooth scoreless inning of relief. Also, we had a nice crowd in our first Game Thread of the Year, Padilla hit only two batters and Martin's groin did not burst into flames.

Wasn't everyone hoping that the whole Padilla on opening day thing would gently pass us by without much concern? You know, really give all those talking heads nothing to mention tonight when they rip the entire future of the Dodgers' season b/c of this move by Torre? Yeah, that would have been nice. I was hoping for something like 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 K, 2 bb. A 6-3 win from the Dodgers and nobody paying any attention to it. Thanks a lot Garret Jones. Ass.

In both 2009 and 2008, we won our first game of the season. And won the NL West. And swept a NL Central team in the NLDS. And lost to the Phillies in the NLCS.

In 2006, we lost our first game of the season. And snuck into the playoffs as the Wild Card. And were swept by the Mets, when 46 players were called out at home on the same play (outs at home rolling over to subsequent innings and games).

In 2004, we lost our first game of the season. And won the NL West anyway. And then got punched in the mouth by the Cardinals in the NLDS, despite winning our first post-season playoff game since 1988 (Lima Time!).

So I'm taking the kids to that Dragon movie (brilliant by the way. . .although who knew Vikings all had Scottish brogues), and as I leave the car, the Dodgers have 2 on, J.Mart up with a chance to tie it. I come home to see, not only did they not score; they allowed 3 more runs.

Maybe we are destined for 2nd or 3rd in our division. Can't wait for that first puzzle of the season.

@MLASF - good call on '88. I remember being so furious that they lost that game: "How could Fernando lose to the Padres?" I thought the season was over then and there. I was an emotional teenager back then, but luckily I've matured. Because of that memory, I now have better perspective. But they better not lose this series with the Pirates or I will never cheer for them ever again! Stupid Dodgers!